Iconic Central New York Businesses
As a resource to poets and artists submitting work for the the 2025 poster series, we've asked the featured businesses to share their stories. As business fill out our questionnaire, we'll add additional responses. Check back from time to time.
Pastabilities
Describe your business with three different words.
Family, Homemade, Fun
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
My parents looked around Downtown Syracuse 1982 and saw a mostly vacant city center. They thought — “wouldn’t it be fun to create a fast paced, totally homemade pasta place?” — at a time where most respected eateries were inching closer to the suburbs and dressing tables with white tablecloths and greeting guests with formal service - they wanted to provide fresh, flavor forward, elevated cuisine in a laid back, casual, fun environment. It may have been the first fast-casual restaurant of its time! On their first day, December 22 1982, there was a line around the block before they opened. I think they really tapped into the cities desire at that time to have fun, to be apart of something new and to eat well.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
Our neon sign or the pasta bowl with wings 🪽
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Karyn Korteling — our mom!
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Continuing to adapt and grow while staying connected to our foundation!
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment?Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
I’d say the most challenging moment was my mother taking the reins of our business after the unexpected passing of her husband, her business partner, and the dad to her two young children. She had to figure out how to run a business completely alone and be a single parent to my sister and I. She’s a rockstar though and obviously rose to the challenge. Almost 43 years later and we are still here:) As far as the most consistent challenge… this is a hard question to answer… but I think our historic and beautiful building may be our most consistent challenge! We love our home at 311 South Franklin and our old building is extremely charming and there’s absolutely nowhere else we’d rather be — but there is always something that needs fixing! Not to mention, our kitchen is quirky and tiny and we make everything ourselves!!
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
We have reached iconic status! Most of our customers congratulate our continued success, new customers say “everyone told us we needed to come here”.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
We envision continuing to grow, learn new things, and stay connected to what our community wants!
The Art Store
Describe your business with three different words.
Community, Creativity, Diversity
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
Our founder is Don Cohn. His father owned a hardware store and Don talked him into allowing him to have a corner of the paint section to sell fine artist paints. The rest is history! He grew his business and then eventually Commercial Art Supply/The Art Store landed at 935 Erie Boulevard.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
I think it would be our logo - the circle!
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Sharon and Jojo- the inseparable duo. Sharon is our longest serving employee- 20+ years. People seek her advice like crazy. Jojo has been with us since 2018 and is "the face" and "the voice" and "the diva" of The Art Store!
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Our commitment to our community means our community is committed to us. We are now serving the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of our original customers.
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment? Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
The Pandemic was a terrifying thing. We closed before the State mandated businesses close, because we care about our employees and their health. We sat at home for a while. We paid our employees to sit at home instead of asking them to sign up for unemployment. After a few weeks, we came back. We masked up, we distanced, and we set to the task of refreshing the store. A fresh coat of paint here and a new display there (our suppliers were still fulfilling orders) and pretty soon the place was unrecognizable. We were reborn! In a modern, 21st century way. New registers. New merchandise. An entire new loyalty system for our customers. We reopened that summer when the cases were finally down and we greeted our community with an entire new store—freshly remodeled.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
Yes. People love us because they come here and get knowledgeable employees and a quality product at a price that cannot be beat. We offer service above and beyond what you can get at a "big box" store like a Michaels or a Hobby Lobby. We are also invested in getting quality art materials into the hands of Syracuse's young artists. We work with schools to make their budgets go as far as possible. The school budgets for The Arts are NOT growing in these difficult times, so sometimes we have to hunt and make deals with our suppliers to make sure we make our school orders the best we can. We hear people saying that they love us because of our customers service, our community gallery, our game nights, our sponsorship of local art events... honestly I think we are most successful because we ALL love doing what we do, and we have a team that is focused on giving an amazing experience to everyone who walks through the door—whether the customer is a working artist doing a $100,000 painting for the AKC, or a hobbyist who is picking up a watercolor brush for the first time, a gamer who wants to paint miniature soldiers, or a child who is falling in love with calligraphy—we pull out all the stops and put on a show and they leave with information, education, and something to play with. Joy.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
I think we will grow our website business to make "Your Friendly Neighborhood Art Store" belong to a much larger global community, and I think in our store we will be able to offer more and more hands-on experiences as social media apps like Instagram and TikTok continue to inspire people to try new things!
Discount Shoe Repair
Discount Shoe Repair Facebook Page
Describe your business with three different words.
Shoes, craftsman, generous.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
1)The need for quality shoe repair service.
2) Yes, as a little boy growing up in a small Italian village.
3) Quality, friendly shoe repair service. Also shoe drive for the homeless and needy through the kind organization of the rescue mission!
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
Shoe or boot and especially a Big ❤️ heart
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Ralph Rotella
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Quality workmanship & Italian heritage!
And speaking very broken English!
(radio shows weekly)
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment? Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
1) Covid was definitely the biggest challenge!
2) Most consistent challenge has always been …. Am I going to have or get enough business to pay all the bills?????
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
1) Iconic … Most definitely!
2) Perceptions... successful, kind, caring shoe repair man.
3) Comments…. Are usually “Wow,” what a great job, Ralphy. We hear day in and day out Thank you for your kindness and generosity for the service that you do collecting shoes all year long for the needy!
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
Sadly I don’t envision this business moving on to the next generation when I retire , as we now live in a throw away society! And people just don’t want to learn this trade! (I certainly hope and pray that I’m wrong but so many places like mine have closed and not reopened!)
Hercules Candies
Describe your business with three different words.
Handcrafted candy.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
The first generation immigrated to the USA from Greece and arrived in Boston, and the three founders got jobs as candy makers at the Boston Candy Kitchen. They later decided to open their own candy store in East Syracuse.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
Chocolate.
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Steve Andrianos.
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Adhering to time tested recipes, adding fun new items to keep up with the times and having a strong social media presence.
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment? Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
The most challenging moment was moving the business from our home to a new space in 2018. The most consistent challenge has been hiring people who are passionate about the candy business.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
We consider our business to be an integral part of family celebrations. Generations of families have certain candies that make their holidays special. The compliment that we most often hear is they wouldn't consider eating any other candy.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
We look forward to the next generation carrying on our traditions and adding their own.
The Sound Garden
The Sound Garden Facebook Page
Describe your business with three different words.
Independent, Music, Community.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
The owner was looking to open a record store in Central New York after successfully growing the Baltimore store. He wanted to bring a cool, independent record store to a city that was lacking in that.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
A vinyl LP.
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Either the owner Bryan (who lives in Baltimore) or our social media manager Casey.
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Our ability to change and adapt to changing times and listening to our customers and what they're looking for.
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment? Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
Probably the explosion of streaming/digital music. Staying current and consistent with changing technology as well as changing tastes.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
I would consider us iconic. People travel from all over the country to visit our store as well customers from Canada. We've been voted and considered one of the best record stores in the country several times. We try to foster a sense of community and want to create a space for people to explore and discuss their love of music as well as exposing customers to artists they may have previously never heard. The most common compliments we receive are in regards to our friendliness and the scope of what we carry in the store.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
Continuing to grow and adapt, staying on top of what's cool and providing a source of culture to the region.
Gannon's Isle
Describe your business with three different words.
Tasty, Happy, Fun.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
John and Eileen's passion.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
Our ice cream! Also our giant ice cream cone and colorful paintings inside our Valley location.
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Eileen & John.
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Quality of our products and hard work.
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment? Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
Covid.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
Yes, we've been a staple in the Valley for 40+ years.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
Sticking to our roots of quality products.
Books End Bookstore
Describe your business with three different words.
Comfort, Nostalgia, Fun.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
A passion of mine. I love books and studied literature in school and always wanted to own my own shop. When I had the opportunity to purchase the business from Jim, the prior owner, I had to jump at it. He carried the business for nearly forty years and I'm eager to add my own forty years to the community.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
We get the most compliments on our antique cash register.
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
It would be myself, Patrick.
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Syracuse is a town of readers. We do sell online, but without the community coming in every week to grab their next book, Books End wouldn't have made it. A used bookstore is both a pillar of a community but also only propped up by the people reading.
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment?Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
Speaking with Jim, Covid was, of course, a unique and difficult challenge. Only being able to sell online or over the phone, was a huge obstacle to overcome. For what I've seen, the most consistent challenge is looking for the best books to put on shelves so that long time, faithful customers have new stock to see and read with each visit.
Do you consider your business iconic?Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
I do. I've been a lover of used bookstores since I was a kid (and made my parents stop at them when we traveled). But it being "iconic" is less about what I can contribute, and more about the fascinating people who come through. The most common thing I hear about customers is the compliment to our organization and also the fresh stock we bring in weekly.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
My hope is to grow with more partnerships with other used book dealers in the region. Something like a "driving path" through NY, where people make a pilgrimage of a sort to see us all.
Boom Babies
Describe your business with three different words.
Eclectic, Expressive, Fashion.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
It was a passion for style and fashion.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
A glamorous dress.
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Lorraine Koury (deceased owner).
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Hard work and commitment. Encouraging employees to challenge themselves and empower themselves through the business.
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment? Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
The most challenging moment was losing our mentor and previous owner Lorraine Koury in 2022. The most consistent challenge is growing with the changing landscape of the retail space.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
I would consider our business iconic. Boom Babies has been a cornerstone in the Westcott neighborhood for almost forty years. Thousands of young women have gone through a rite of passage (prom shopping). We have provided a safe and inclusive space to have fun with fashion for anyone who walks into our place. Moms will come into our store and say, "I bought my dress here for my prom in the 90's.” We are known for everything from vintage clothing to funky unique clothes, to the most fabulous formal wear. We even were a destination for costumes. The store is known for so many different things, and again so many walks of life come through our doors. We're complimented on our customer service and diverse inventory.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
Continuing to help people feel like their most fabulous selves :)
Heid's of Liverpool & Sweet Treats
Describe your business with three different words.
It's hard to describe in just three words... Franks & coneys, traditions, and unforgettable memories.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
I don't know how to answer this since this business has been around for over 100 years, but I will share a little bit of backstory here: Heid's of Liverpool has been serving iconic Hofmann franks and coneys since 1917, making it a long-standing Central New York favorite and delighting families and visitors for generations. Our dedication to quality and hospitality has earned us recognition from Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Food Network, The Travel Channel, and countless ‘Best Hot Dog’ lists nationwide.
Our rich history started in 1886 when the Heid family built a meat market, grocery store, and restaurant. The original Heid’s hot dog stand opened in 1917, moved to its present location in 1930, and has become an iconic fixture and a cherished landmark. In 1934, Heid's added a 4-lane bowling alley, now home to Heid’s Sweet Treats ice cream parlor.
Today, Heid’s serves a quarter-million franks and coneys each year. We're passionate about creating new traditions, engaging with customers, and forging unforgettable memories. Join us for a taste of history, where every bite tells a century-old story. Whether it's your first time or you've been a fan for years, Heid's is a destination you won't want to miss. Come to savor the legacy and Taste the Tradition.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
(Hofmann) Franks and Coneys.
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Our dedicated customers! Individuals from various corners of the globe, some of whom are native to Syracuse while others who have visited the area. Many have shared stories about Heid's being the "first stop" upon returning to Syracuse, others recount nostalgic tales of visits with grandparents, memorable life events that we were a part of. For many, a visit to Heid's transcends a mere dining experience, fostering cherished memories that endure through time.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
Absolutely! Our customers like the nostalgia (both with our food as well as with our building) with many telling us not to change a thing. Our iconic building has been around since the 1930s and we do our best to maintain the structure while keeping the nostalgic feel. The same also holds true to our menu where at one time our menu consisted of only franks, coneys, and chocolate milk (tradition!). This too has evolved through the years to offer our customers more menu items to tempt their taste buds.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
Our hope is for Heid's to remain a beloved choice for generations to come. Our aim is for our customers, their children, and grandchildren to create exciting and lasting memories and establish their own traditions to be cherished and passed down through time.
Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub & Restaurant
Kitty Hoynes Pub and Restaurant website
Describe your business with three different words.
Hospitality, Irish Experience, Community
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
To open an Irish Pub & Restaurant in the heart of the city in Armory Square, a lifelong dream of Cindy & David, An Irishman and Syracuse woman, offering a cead mile failte ( 100,000 welcomes ) to one and all.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
Community celebrations
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
David & Cindy Hoyne
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Hard work, hospitality, great staff, wonderful customers
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
A great place to come and enjoy scratch made food and great Irish beverages looked after by a great staff. A cornerstone business in Armory Square and downtown Syracuse.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
A healthy business caring for its staff and offering a great Irish experience
M Lemp Jewelers
Describe your business with three different words.
Quality, selection, service.
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
As a young immigrant Michael Lemp founded the business in 1890 to service watches, sell fine jewelry and serve as an optician. Michael had apprenticed as a watchmaker and had other family members with a range of skills to provide the range of services the store would provide.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
The 1903 Iroquois delivery truck. Originally owned by founder Michael Lemp to deliver watch and clock repairs it was the second motorized vehicle in Syracuse. It has been on display in the store for more than 4 decades.
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Don Lemp, 4th generation owner of the store, known for his commercials featuring him in the store swinging a golf club. "I like playing golf almost as much as I like selling diamonds"
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Consistent quality and service while adapting our business to meet the needs of our customer's.
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment? Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
In 1935 the founder, Michael Lemp passed away during the depression. The business survived this and thrives to this day.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
Owned by the same family for 134 years we stand as one of the oldest businesses in Syracuse. Our customer's have given us over 1020 Google reviews with a five star rating, we have an amazing growing customer base.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
We look forward to the future with more growth based on our solid foundation.
J Michael Shoes
Describe your business with three different words.
iconic, mainstay, community
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
Passion for shoes, bringing fashions from around the globe to Syracuse
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
Our awning
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
John Vavalo aka Johnny Hott
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
Cutting edge fashion and brands not typically found in Syracuse
Thinking back, describe the business’s most challenging moment?Over the years, what has been the most consistent challenge?
Most challenging moment was definitely Covid- consistent challenge has been competing with the internet.
Do you consider your business iconic?Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
Yes iconic. We often hear from customers they like our friendly, genuine service.
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
Continuing to adapt to the changing society and neighborhood.
Syracuse Cooperative Market
Describe your business with three different words.
Local, Friendly, Fresh
What originally prompted the business? Was it passion? What community need was the business fulfilling?
The Syracuse Cooperative Market was founded by an energetic group of activists in the 1970’s who envisioned a cooperatively-owned community, with access to high-quality food and a way to support local growers and producers.
What item (totem, heirloom, icon, object) best characterizes the business?
Sunflower
Who is the “face” or the business—the person most identified with the business?
Our friendly cashiers who know many of our customers by name!
To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your business?
The support of our community, membership & customers, and our fantastic, hard-working & passionate staff.
Do you consider your business iconic? Legendary? What are your perceptions of your business? What comments or compliments do you commonly hear from customers?
Our customers often complement our friendly & helpful staff, our selection of fresh, local & organic produce, and our unique product selection!
How do you envision the business in its next generation?
We're working hard to make the Co-op more welcoming, inclusive & accessible to all.